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Quixoticism

"All the heroical fictions of ecclesiastical quixoticism"

That, claims, Wikipedia, is the first time quixoticism is mentioned, giving Pulpit Popery, True Popery as the source. Urban Dictionary defines quixoticism as unattainable idealism.

Let's take ism from quixoticism and we have quixotic. Anyone who knows Don Quixote would have an idea what the adjective is about.  Merriam Webster defines it as foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action.

"It doesn't do to be quixotic. Telling the truth to people who misunderstand you is really promoting falsehood." ~ Anthony Hope

Then we take ic from quixotic and finally we have quixote. Enter (drum roll please) Don Quixote of La Mancha, the windmills, skinny Rosinante, ladylove Dulcinea.... Chivalry at its quixotic best! 

"The Quixotes of this Age fight with the Wind-mills of their owne Heads"


This post is linked with ABC Wednesday.
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Comments

  1. JedediahNovember 8, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    That is a gorgeous illustration and a good choice for Q.
    I have a drawing hanging on my bedroom wall showing Don Quixote and his Sancho Pansa riding up to a giant cuckoo sitting on a skull (maybe I'll be back with a photo).

    ReplyDelete
  2. CarverNovember 8, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Great post and I've always been rather partial to fighting windmills as in impossible dreamers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Meryl Jaffe, PhDNovember 8, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Quality post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. helenmacNovember 9, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    Hazel, great minds aligned!
    HelenMac
    ABC Wednesday Team

    ReplyDelete
  5. Roger Owen GreenNovember 9, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    we should all tilt at windmills sometimes.

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

    ReplyDelete
  6. NankaNovember 9, 2011 at 12:58 AM

    Interesting deductions!!
    The 150 year-old original of Don Quixote's Charge by James William Glass is enchanting!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. photowannabeNovember 9, 2011 at 12:58 AM

    A perfect choice for the letter Q. Very interesting and sometimes I feel I am chasing windmills in my life.

    ReplyDelete
  8. EG WowNovember 9, 2011 at 3:27 AM

    Great chice for Q - one which I didn't even think of when considering what to post myself. Maybe next round. ;))

    ReplyDelete
  9. RajeshNovember 9, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    Wonderful post.

    ReplyDelete

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